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Posted by u/carbloadking··Nutrition

How to stick to a budget Mediterranean diet while lifting on $70/week?

TL;DR: Looking for budget-friendly Mediterranean diet tips while lifting on $70/week.

So, I'm a carb enthusiast who loves that Mediterranean vibe but trying to make it work on a tight budget of $70 a week. I've been lifting for about 5 years now and still want to hit my protein targets. Anyone got tips on balancing nutrient timing and keeping food quality high without breaking the bank? Like, what staples do you guys use? I'm thinking chickpeas, rice, and maybe some frozen veggies, but I could use a bit of a game plan!

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u/cardio_is_life·

Running helps with overall health, but I've found that a balanced approach with a Mediterranean diet makes a big difference in my performance. Whole grains, nuts, and fresh produce are always in my meal plans.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Bro, if you're trying to lift heavy on a budget, skip the fancy stuff and just get whole foods. Buy a 10-pound bag of rice and some beans. Super cheap and fills you up fast!

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Pizza is life! But I hear you on sticking to a budget. Try making whole-wheat pizza with lots of veggies. It's healthier and super cheap!

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u/veganpowerlifting·

Honestly, you can make a Mediterranean diet work on a budget. Lentils, beans, and grains are super cheap and packed with protein. I usually whip up a big batch of lentil soup or chili and portion it out for the week, it saves time and money!

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u/lightweightsfordays·

Honestly, don't stress too much about protein timing! Focus on whole foods and enjoy your carbs. You can make a great lentil stew that'll keep you full and happy without breaking the bank.

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u/creatine_supremacy·

I just hit a 1RM PR on squat last week, and the key has been focusing on high-quality food sources. Check out MacroFactor, it helps track everything easily and keeps your budget in check.

100
u/strongerthanlastyear·

I can relate! My favorite budget meal is a chickpea and rice bowl with spices. Add some hot sauce, and it's like a fiesta in your mouth. Plus, you can meal prep it for the week!

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u/bodyweightbeast·

For real! I load up on chickpeas and sweet potatoes after workouts. They help with recovery while keeping costs low. Seriously, don't sleep on potatoes, they're the OG carb.

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u/deadlift_dan·

I've been hitting 405 on deadlifts lately, and fueling with whole grains like quinoa has made a big difference. You can bulk up your protein intake with some eggs if you're cool with those. They're cheap and versatile!

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u/midwest_lifter·

You can absolutely crush your protein targets on a budget. Eggs and Greek yogurt are your friends! Local markets can have good deals on those too. Just keep an eye out for sales.

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u/gains_4_days·

Nuts and seeds can be a bit pricey, but they go a long way in boosting your protein and healthy fats. They can be added to salads or eaten as snacks! Definitely helps with keeping things balanced

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u/carbloadking·

Man, I feel you. I used to crush it on a budget by hitting up local markets for seasonal veggies. Chickpeas and lentils are lifesavers too, plus they pack protein!

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u/dadbod_passion·

This sounds like a fun challenge! I usually go for frozen veggies too, they're so much cheaper and last forever. One time I made a big Mediterranean quinoa salad with chickpeas, olives, and whatever veggies I had on hand. My kids even loved it and they're usually picky eaters! 😂

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u/veganpowerlifting·

Chickpeas are a staple! I make a mean chickpea salad with some olive oil, lemon, and whatever veggies I have on hand. Also, don't underestimate frozen fruits for smoothies. They can help you hit protein goals too if you mix in some plant-based protein powder.

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u/homegymhero·

Frozen veggies are underrated, for real. I keep a bag on hand for quick meals. Just toss 'em in a stir-fry or a pasta dish with some olive oil and spices. Works every time.

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u/marathonmom_42·

I'm a fan of the slow cooker for meal prep! It makes life so much easier when you can toss everything in and forget about it. Plus, you can throw in cheap cuts of meat or beans for protein.

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u/dadbod_passion·

Budgeting for a Mediterranean diet is tough but fun! I roast a bunch of veggies every Sunday for the week and throw them in with rice or whole wheat pasta. Kids love it too, so that's a win.

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u/thecraftychef·

You can whip up a delicious and budget-friendly Mediterranean dish by making a big batch of tabbouleh with bulgur, parsley, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon. Add some canned chickpeas for protein and you're golden!

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

You got this! Try tracking your macros with an app like MyFitnessPal to see where you're at. I found that meal prep saves both time and cash. Plus, it helps you stay on top of your nutrition.

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u/justliftingstuff·

I keep it simple, no fancy apps or anything. I jot down what I eat and adjust as needed. Cooking in bulk saves money and makes sure you're eating right

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u/chickenncarrots·

This thread is solid! Cooking a big pot of lentil soup can last you days and pack in protein without costing much. Just spice it up with some Mediterranean herbs for flavor!

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

You need to watch out with that budget if you're serious about protein. I get it, frozen veggies are convenient, but don't forget about canned tuna or chicken. They're often on sale and can really help you hit those protein goals without overspending. Just don't rely solely on rice and beans, or you might miss some essential nutrients

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